President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged South Africans to allow parallel investigative structures to complete their work before drawing conclusions about the growing controversy surrounding alleged political interference in the justice system.
Speaking amid heightened speculation over what he knew and when, Ramaphosa emphasized that he would not prematurely comment on ongoing proceedings at the Madlanga Commission or Parliament’s ad hoc committee, both of which are probing serious claims of executive interference in policing and justice structures.
The controversy escalated after Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, currently on special leave, told MPs last week that he briefed President Ramaphosa before making the contentious decision to disband the political killings task team.
According to Mchunu, Ramaphosa agreed with his decision, effectively linking the President to a move that has since drawn heavy criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups. This statement appears to contradict earlier testimony by National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, who told the same parliamentary committee that the president had not been consulted on the disbandment.
The conflicting testimonies have fueled speculation and political debate over the President’s knowledge of the decision and his role, if any, in its approval.
Ramaphosa Responds to Testimony Linking Him to Key Decision
Amid mounting pressure to clarify his position, Ramaphosa remained firm that he would not be drawn into providing commentary while official processes are still underway.
“As the person who appointed the commission, I will await the moment when the proceedings end and when a report is tabled to me, before I comment,” Ramaphosa said. “I cannot run a contemporaneous commentary about the proceedings. I will wait until all the matters are ventilated and thereafter I will be able to comment.”
The President stressed the importance of respecting institutional processes, particularly when dealing with sensitive matters related to law enforcement and political accountability. His remarks suggest a strategy to maintain a neutral stance until the official findings are released.
Ramaphosa also made it clear that parallel investigative structures must be allowed to function without political interference. Both the Madlanga Commission and Parliament’s ad hoc committee are conducting independent investigations into allegations that senior government officials interfered in policing matters to protect political interests.
“These are serious allegations,” Ramaphosa said. “We must allow the structures that are established to conduct their work thoroughly and independently. I will not interfere or comment until they have completed their investigations.”
This statement reinforces Ramaphosa’s positioning as a leader who wants to respect institutional integrity—a theme he has often emphasized during his presidency.
Ramaphosa made the remarks during a visit to Soshanguve, where he attended a celebration honoring Tlou Cholo, a respected struggle veteran who turned 100. Cholo was awarded the Isithwalandwe/Seaparankwe Award, the African National Congress (ANC)’s highest honor, in recognition of his lifetime contribution to the liberation movement.
The event provided a platform for Ramaphosa, in his capacity as ANC president, to address not only party members but also the broader public. It was here that he reaffirmed his commitment to due process and the rule of law.
While Ramaphosa has opted for caution, the controversy has already begun to stir political tensions. Opposition parties have accused the president of evading accountability, while some analysts suggest his strategy is aimed at protecting the presidency from becoming entangled in a politically sensitive investigation.
Critics argue that his refusal to clarify whether he was indeed briefed by Mchunu risks eroding public trust, particularly in a climate where South Africans are increasingly frustrated with political interference in state institutions.
However, Ramaphosa’s allies maintain that the President is acting prudently, ensuring that investigations remain free from political influence. They argue that any premature comment could be interpreted as undue pressure on the commission or Parliament.
The Madlanga Commission is expected to continue hearing testimony from high-ranking officials and law enforcement figures over the coming weeks. Once the inquiry concludes, a comprehensive report will be submitted to President Ramaphosa, who will then be expected to respond formally.
Political analysts believe this moment will be critical for Ramaphosa’s leadership, as the findings could either clear his name or place him at the center of a deepening political storm.
For now, Ramaphosa is sticking to a cautious approach, signaling that institutional processes must run their course before any definitive statements are made
Source- EWN
